Sport

The Bahamas to spend
US$3.5m to host World Relays

NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) — The Bahamas Government plans to spend about US$3.5 million to host the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Relays in 2014 and 2015.

Prime Minister Perry Christie made the announcement during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in Nassau.

"The Government of The Bahamas is looking to underwrite the costs," said Prime Minister Christie.

"We are obviously hopeful that given the nature of these international sporting events will be a return to the country in every which way because we are very much committed to developing The Bahamas as a world sports tourism authority and destination."

The World Relays will bring together approximately 700 athletes, including those who competed and medalled in the sprint and middle distance events at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the 2013 IAAF World Games in Moscow.

They will represent 40 countries accompanied by 300 team officials.

"I hope that we as an island nation, that we ensure that the young people of The Bahamas are able to benefit from this exercise at the end of the day," said the prime minister.

"We want to never give up on the commitment to develop athletes and sports in the country."

The deal for the Bahamas to host the IAAF World Relays in 2014 and 2015 was sealed at the recent 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow.

Hosting such an event will require approximately 500 volunteers, 150 organising committee members and a full-time staff of 25.

The relay races will include men and women in the 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m, 4x800m, 4x1500m, with qualifying rounds for the 4x100m, 4x200m, and 4x400m.